Questions to Ponder and Discuss

Compare and contrast the scientific article (1989) by Fred Wolff, a geologist
at Hofstra University, with the popular article that he wrote for Newsday
in 1993. How do they differ? In what ways, if any, are they similar?

Many environmental issues involve a medley of conflicting societal, economic,
political, and scientific viewpoints. In this case, what devices could you
use to simplify the issues without compromising accuracy?

Compare the New York Times articles to the Newsday articles? Do the reporters
differentiate their audiences? What level of knowledge do they each assume?

Three papers are provided in the "Scientific Papers" section of the reading
book. How can you, as a journalist, evaluate the credibility of these three
papers?

Based on the articles, do you think scientists and policy makers are successfully
communicating with each other and the general public? Consider the letter
to the editor by Julian Kane in this section.­ the difficulties of carrying
out the Iron Ex experiments, and how they were overcome?

Critique the Audubon article (July-August 1998). Give examples of how the
author caters to his audience.

Fifty percent of the U.S. population lives on the coast, which comprises
only 11% of the land surface. Given that the population in such areas is predicted
to grow in the future, what CZM issues might arise from this situation? How
would you write an article about these future issues today?

Unlike many other geological processes, coastal processes cause geomorphologic
shoreline changes on a human timescale. As such, it is a very visual process.
Describe the resulting benefits and challenges facing a journalist covering
a coastal beat and the different media they might use.

Look at the Stoddard article in Newsday (August 24, 1997). Is this article
balanced? If you were an editor, would you include this article in your presentation?
If so, in which section would you put it?

Look at the Nick Karas article in Newsday, April 20, 1993. What's his angle,
and how does he exploit it?

Several journalists used conflict as a device to sharpen their stories.
Find examples. What was the conflict, and did the device work well?

Compare and contrast the John Rather article of March 24, 1996 with the
Diane Shaman article of May 5, 1996, both in the NY Times, both dealing with
beach restoration/groin mofication.

This story is very local. How would you introduce a national or international
angle into it? To what publication(s) would you pitch your story?

Judging from the scientific articles, would you say that the science of
coastal development and erosion is clear cut? Do any of the scientists appear
to take a stance? Do they have strong evidence for their conclusions? Give
examples of authors' effective use of quotes to demonstrate the debate within
the scientific community.